Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

Ukraine
Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian
Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Greece

Behavior

The Greeks are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences
in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various
cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth,
or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above
others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Greece, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in
like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our
Greece Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics,
such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

Traditional Greek dress is more than just a simple loose-fitting cloth as the Classical
Period would have you believe. In fact, the Greek chiton or tunic was one
of the greatest influences on today's shirt and in this way the ancient Greeks
helped shape modern western-styled clothing. Over time the dress continuously changed;
in about the 1800s the dress at that time is now considered traditional dress, but
the variation on these outfits vastly differed from region to region and socio-economic
class to socio-economic class.

For men the most widely recognized traditional dress is called a foustanella
or a tsolias. It consists of a white skirt, a shirt with loose-fitting
sleeves, and a vest called a fermeli, which can be in a number of different
colors. Other regional outfits also existed for men, including the vraka,
which was popular on the islands of the Aegean Sea. For women the traditional clothing
is more regionally based; the desfina is a long-sleeved white dress with
a decorated vest common in one region, the women on Crete tended to wear loose-fitting
pants and long aprons, which were generally heavily decorated, and in central Greece
the most traditional dress is actually a wedding dress called a karagouna,
which is white, but also includes bright colors and jewelry.

Today the best place to see these outfits are at the Presidential palace since the
guards wear the foustanella, but otherwise this traditional dress is rarely
worn or seen. Today the people of Greece tend to wear modern western-styled clothing.

As a visitor to Greece you are free to wear nearly any western-styled clothing.
On the islands swimsuits and liberal clothing are common and well accepted, while
on the mainland the dress is often more conservative. In generally just dress for
the occasion, and remember the cities tend to be a bit more formal. Lastly, sunbathing
naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always
be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.